News reaches us this afternoon that several Island businesses, as well as the Isle of Wight Council, were successful in picking up prestigious awards last week at the Tourism ExSEllence Awards.
The awards recognise excellence in tourism across the South East over the last 18 months. There are several categories including Best Tourism Experience, Access For All, Caravan/Holiday Park of the Year, as well as Tourism event of the year for which the Isle of Wight Walking Festival picked up a Silver Award.
George Brown, Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for tourism said “I offer my congratulations to the council and its events team on organising what was a hugely successful 2009 Isle of Wight Walking Festival.
“The festival is the UK’s largest and regularly attracts over 20,000 visitors and is no stranger to winning prestigious awards. Not only did the Walking Festival win an award, there were six other award winners from the Isle of Wight on the day.
“This demonstrates to me that when it comes to tourism, the Island is getting some excellent recognition”
Check out the full list of those from the island who returned proudly to the Island. with an award or commendation.
Congratulations to you all.
Access For All Tourism Award
Highly Commended – Sunny Bay Apartments, Shanklin, Isle Of Wight
Best Tourism Experience Award
Silver – Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Seaview, Isle Of Wight
Caravan / Holiday Park Of The Year
Silver – Old Mill Holiday Park, St Helens, Isle Of Wight
Highly Commended – The Orchards Holiday Park, Nr Yarmouth, Isle Of Wight
Flavour Of The South East
Highly Commended – The Garlic Farm, Newchurch, Isle Of Wight
Self Catering Holiday Of The Year
Silver – Mersley Farm, Newchurch, Isle Of Wight
Sustainable Tourism Award
Highly Commended – Bedford Lodge, Shanklin Old Village, Isle Of Wight
Tourism Event Of The Year
Silver – Isle Of Wight Walking Festival 2009, Newport, Isle Of Wight
